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Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro praised Greece Monday for fighting back against austerity, saying Greek voters inspire “admiration.”
“I warmly congratulate (Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras) on his brilliant political victory,” he said in a statement issued via Cuban media.
Fidel Castro said his nation shares characteristics with Greece, saying, “Greece is very familiar to Cubans. They taught us philosophy, art and the science of antiquities which we studied in school.
“Your country, especially your courage during this current juncture, inspires admiration among the people of Latin America and the Caribbean … to see how Greece defends its identity and culture against external aggression.”
Fidel Castro is the latest Latin American leader to praise Greece for voting down a proposed bailout deal. The deal would have forced Greece to return to austerity, despite the Syriza government being elected earlier this year on a platform of ending cutbacks.
Leading up to the vote, Tsipras urged the people to vote "No", saying it would strengthen his left-wing government's position in talks with international creditors also known as the troika, comprised of the European Commission, the European Central Bank, and the International Monetary Fund.
Fidel Castro concluded his response to the electoral outcome by wishing “the greatest success” to Tsipras, who the former Cuban leader described as an “esteemed colleague.”
“In the current political situation on the planet, when peace and survival hangs by a thread, every decision should be carefully taken, so there is no doubt as to it's honesty and sincerity,” he said.
The Cuban revolutionary leader specifically praised teleSUR for its recent coverage of Greece.
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